Application Process

Application Instructions

Email Abbey B. Berenson, MD, PhD the full application packet (including all items below).

1. Application Face Page (PDF)
2. Cover letter
3. Current CV
4. A research statement describing previous experience, relevant skills, and a proposed area of research related to women's health or sex as a biological variable
5. Three references including name, address, phone number, and email

Eligibility Requirements

APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Be US citizens or non-citizen permanent residents lawfully admitted for permanent residence and in possession of an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-155) or some other verification of legal admission to the US as a permanent citizen. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
2. Have a clinical doctorate, a PhD degree, or its equivalent (e.g. MD, DDS, DVM, OD, PharmD, PhD Nursing, PhD Epidemiology, and other similar PhD backgrounds will be considered).
3. Have completed postgraduate training (postdoctoral fellowship, residency, or clinical fellowship).
4. Have no more than 8 years of research or research training experience beyond their last doctoral degree.
5. Be conducting research in one of the following four areas of women’s health: (1) Aging, (2) Reproductive Health, (3) Infectious Diseases, and (4) Health Disparities/Hispanic Health.
6. Hold the rank of assistant professor or be eligible to be appointed at the assistant professor level.
7. Not have been a principal investigator on an RO1, R19 or sub-project of a Program Project (P01, P60, U54), or career development K-series.
8. Be willing to spend at least 75% of their full professional effort on research.

Who Should Apply?

Successful applicants will exhibit the following qualities:

1. Some training in basic science or clinical research methods;
2. Interest in one of these research areas:
   
   • Aging,
   • Reproductive Health,
   • Infectious Diseases, or
     
   • Health Disparities/Hispanic Health;
3. Evidence of publication as first author in peer-reviewed journals;
4. Potential to obtain independent research funding;
5. Commitment to women’s health; and
6. Ability to work with our selection of mentors and the diversity of our program.

Educational Objectives

By the end of their tenure in the program, Scholars will be expected to:

1. Demonstrate skill in conducting literature searches, maintain current research findings in their field of expertise, and efficiently manage information resources;
2. Identify issues appropriate for investigation; develop them into testable research questions; and design projects that are valid, ethical, focused, feasible, and methodologically as precise and reliable as available technology will allow;
3. Develop or adapt scientific methods and apply innovative concepts and approaches to their research;
4. Manage a research project, including:
   • Efficient fiscal management,
   • Development and maintenance of research resources,
   • Training and supervision of personnel,
   • Design and conduct of an experimental protocol,
   • Adherence to standards for ethical conduct of research, and
   • Accurate recording of methods and results;
5. Critically analyze and interpret experimental results with an understanding of their technical complexities, statistical basis, and scientific importance;
6. Effectively communicate research results in scientific exchanges with colleagues, seminars, oral presentations posters, and published papers;
7. Plan research projects, gather appropriate preliminary data, and write competitive NIH or equivalent grant proposals;
8. Strategically develop a research program and career plan to optimize productivity in publications and grant proposals, obtain consistent funding, and advance professionally;
9. Provide critical and constructive feedback to peers on research presentations and written work; and
10. Demonstrate skills and habits consistent with professionalism in science, including creativity, open-mindedness, critical thinking, ethical sensitivity, and the ability to exchange constructive criticisms and develop collaborations with colleagues, in their own and in other scientific disciplines.

Research Curriculum

All Scholars will develop an individualized learning and research plan to suit their educational needs and career goals. The education and evaluation of Scholars will be linked to educational objectives that define the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an accomplished scientific investigator.

We anticipate that most clinical investigators will require formal education in research design and methods. They may choose to obtain an MS or PhD in clinical science through the K30-supported graduate program. Basic science researchers will focus on educational activities that orient them to clinical research and extend their past training.

Weekly BIRCWH Conferences will provide additional learning experiences and opportunities for networking among Scholars. As scholars progress through the program, this will include increasingly independent mentored research experiences that will culminate in guiding, planning, and writing an NIH grant proposal. Completion of the program will require 2-3 years for a typical Scholar.

Hiring Policies

Criminal Background Screening

The University of Texas Medical Branch requires that a criminal background check be completed on all personnel prior to beginning the BIRCWH Program. Applicants will be required to complete a form authorizing the university to complete the criminal background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a Vietnam era veteran in any of its policies, practices, and procedures. In addition, the University of Texas Medical Branch does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, educational services, and access to facilities and services. The university, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, is committed to developing and implementing affirmative action strategies with respect to minority individuals, women, Vietnam era veterans, and persons with disabilities.